Sunday, April 26, 2015

How to help the people of Nepal

Our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Nepal and the surrounding areas. Most of us are not able or is is appropriate to physically go to Nepal to help. There are Legitamate well trained groups there now. 

Please review the list and give as you feel called. 

The list below is partial list compiled by CNN

Each organization has a link. For a full report on what each agency is doing please use the link above. 

Here is a  partial list of the agencies.

Nepal Red Cross   There connection is not constant, so please try back if you get the blank screen. They are at the heart of the relief efforts.


Americares  Has began dispatching teams to assist in the search and rescue efforts.


CARE Is also on the ground and providing temporary shelter and ready to eat meals. 

International Medical Corps is on the ground coordinating their response and sending additional staff and resources to support relief efforts. You can support the Nepal Earthquake Response online, or by texting MED to 80888 to give $10.

Friday, April 24, 2015

Eco-Friendly Luxury Resorts

Here is a list from Travel Chanel of Eco Friendly Luxury Resorts... I have lots of reasons why there are other great options without having to sleep on the beach and be bit by local bugs. But to be fair, this is a great article on (for some) having the best of both worlds. 

For me to have a Fair Dinkum Experience, immersing yourself in the culture, the people and the geography is mandatory not a choice. 

I have written articles about Bed and Breakfasts and AirBnB.. both let you become a part of the area you are visiting. 

We have stayed in hotels, usually for two reasons. 
One: In some countries there are safety concerns and tour guides and hotel security is a must.
Second: Business trips. When I know that I am only there for a conference and am in the middle of traffic and in the business district. Hotels are a great option.

Aside from that, Explore the world the Fair Dinkum Way!

Top 50 Travel Quotes! from MatadorU

Here is a link to the article from MatadorU  BY LOLA (AKINMADE) ÅKERSTRÖM

As the quotes inspire, I am reminded that for me and this blog Travel is about adventure, discovering and reassessing life's goals and plans.

I do understand those that want to be pampered as a vacation choice. While for me this is not the path I take, there are ways to do this and still see the world. With one caveat! Leave the Hotel Grounds. Simple but true.


Have a wonderful Friday!

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Trip Advisors top 10 Islands.Find your best and next article will be how to be at the best at a budget price.

Here is Trip Advisors top Islands for 2015. There are some amazing places to explore and visit.

You can explore and enjoy the best with in a budget and get a feel for the locals lifestyles. 

A brief review for planning your summer (NEVER IN SUMMER) vacation coming next.

Here they are.
Travels Choice Top Islands of 2015


After you have perused the best voted Islands in the world, go to Airbnb and VRBO (if you are staying in one place for more then a few days) and check out  your perfect destination with in your budget.




Friday, April 10, 2015

UBER: OOPPSSS

I have a friend that does not drive , he is ambulatory and has always used public transportation. I had encouraged him to use Uber.

Here is my disclaimer. I wanted to see how it would work. Every 20someting I know has applied for and at least attempted to work for either Uber or Lyft. I do think they are great alternatives to a taxi. Here is San Diego, they are trying to level the playing field with Taxi licenses being easier to get and there by lowering the cost and making them more competitive. 

Anyway, so together my friend and I downloaded the app, inputted his Credit Card number and decided to try it the next day.
(here is the Caveat) We did this on St. Patty's Day and did not want to be out and about with other drunks. This is why we thought we would do it the next day. My friend has to go to work but wanted someone there and I wanted to see the whole program in action. We met the next day at around 8:30 a.m.


Excited, we pulled out his phone and tapped the app. He listed where he wanted to go and said schedule...

NOTHING!! It must have been an amazing St. Patty's Day Celebration because there was not an UBER anywhere..  Thank goodness he was able to run to the bus and get where he needed to be.

One other person, had a mad semi lost driver with Uber. She doesn't drive and wanted to try it out and go to a smoothie place. The driver kept asking her where it was (yes she had inputted the address) once there, she asked her to wait 5 minutes while she gets her smoothie and the driver said No and took off.

Most of the experiences I hear about are great, but do not use UBER the day after a holiday and make sure you can guide your driver. :)

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Keep it simple with my top two favorite Travel Apps.


I write and talk about keeping your travel experiences real, getting in touch with local faire and going off an your own. There are so many great apps out there for travel, but you can  spend your whole time with your head in your phone. Before I share my top two, here is a list of the top 5 from Elliott at Boarding Area.

My top Two from the list are: 

Trip Advisor is my all time favorite. You can look up hotels (motels/B and B's), Restaurants and Attractions. The great part is you can read the worst reviews and the best, from locals and tourists. You can connect with multiple booking sites, get great tips from regular people and things to be weary of. Yes, I am always writing reviews, but not just while away, but at home also.

 Second is Google Maps. they are great for seeing the lay of the land and navigation.
In many areas (without WiFi) you can find and save the map you will need for the day and be wi fi free and still have the navigation you will want to go rogue.

Technology has allowed us to travel to parts unknown with a sense of safety and connectedness. But it can also create dependence on electronics that will detract from living the experience in real time. 

Please,  what ever travel apps you use, let them be a loose guide and then enjoy a Fair Dinkum Adventure!

From Budget Travel: 38 Great Travel Quotes! Which one will you travel by?

I apologize for the commercial but you can by pass it. The list is wonderful. Please chose your mantra..

It will entice you to travel more and travel more Fair Dinkum!

38 Great Travel Quotes by Budget Travel.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Historic Motel 6: A Room with a View!

Check out my review of the first Motel 6  EVER! It's on Trip Advisor and there are some pics also. A great find when in Santa Barbara, Ca.